Gebser+v.+Lago+Vista

Gebset v. Lago Vista Independent School District United States Supreme Court, 5th District Argued: March 25, 1998 Decided: June 22, 1998

Summary: Alida Gebser, was an eighth grade student at the time of the misconduct and resided in the Lago Vista Independent School District. During the time of the misconduct, she attended a book club led by teacher Frank Waldrop. While still in high school, the two began having sexual intercourse and sexual relations for nearly two years. On a few occasions, parents came forward about improper comments in class, but the matter was forgotten about and somewhat ignore. Not long after the incidences, a police office observed Gebser and Waldrop engaging in sexual intercourse in a vehicle and arrested Waldrop. Eventually, Gebser and her mother filed suit in Lago Vista and Waldrop under Title IX and state negligence and claims against Waldrop under state law.

Decision and Rationale: Gebser’s mother filed suit against the school district stating that they should be held accountable for damages in an implied right of action under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This claim was found irrelevant due to the fact that such claims of sexual misconduct of a faculty member were never brought forward to the Title IX supervisor of the district. Even though the principal had a meeting with parents and Waldrop, the issue was shunned and pushed off the table. She also filed suit against Waldrop. After being arrested, the Texas Education Agency revoked his teaching license and Lago Vista terminated Waldrop’s employment. The court sided with Lago Vista upon all claims and sent all claims against Waldrop to state court.

Impact on Education: Being a teacher is one of the most prominent jobs in the world. Not by pay, of course, but by the number of eyes that you always have watching you. As educators, we should not only keep eyes out for our actions as well as things we may say. Different people have different interpretations and can take “harmless” things to the extreme. I understand that the teacher was completely out of character in this case and believe that he should be punished. The case just brings into thought that sometimes even a hug can be misinterpreted. Not only should we be aware of our own actions, but those of other peers in our school and community.

Quiz Question: What is Title IX? A. Requires teachers to treat boys and girls the same B. Requires school districts to equally fund boys and girls programs C. Requires clubs to have the same number of boy and girl members D. Requires boys to make higher grades than girls

Submitted by Jenna Bass, Megan Good and Chelsea Moody